Let's look at the normal rhyme:
TONE. TONE. SEMITONE. TONE. TONE. TONE. SEMITONE.
Now let's assign numbers to each step of the rhyme:
TONE(1). TONE(2). SEMITONE(3). TONE(4). TONE(5). TONE(6). SEMITONE(7).
Modes are just scales that start on different parts of this rhyme. For example, the Aeolian mode, famously known as the minor key, starts on 6:
TONE. SEMITONE. TONE. TONE. SEMITONE. TONE. TONE.
There are many complicated ways to work out every single mode, so eventually, a group of clever people came up with this formula to easily find out each mode and gave them each a name. Remember these off by heart and you'll be fine:
Ionian: The Ionian mode is just your regular major.
Lydian: Note number four of the major scale is raised by a semitone.
Mixolydian: Note number seven of the major scale is lowered by a semitone.
Aeolian: The Aeolian mode is just your regular major.
Dorian: Note number six of the minor scale is raised by a semitone.
Locrian: The second and the fifth are lowered by a semitone.
Phrygian: Note number two of the minor scale lowered by a semitone.
EXAMPLE:
C Ionian: C D E F G A B C
C Lydian: C D E F# G A B C
Activity: Work out each scale. The first one is done for you.
1) C Mixolydian: C D E F G A Bb C
2) E Phrygian: ____________________
3) F# Aeolian: ____________________
4) A Dorian: _____________________
5) B Locrian: _____________________
6) D Ionian: ______________________
7) Ab Lydian: _____________________
8) C# Dorian: _____________________
9) G# Mixolydian: _________________
Now try these ones:
1) C D E F# G A B C: C Lydian.
2) E F# G A B C# D E: ____________________
3) F Gb Ab Bb C Db Eb F: _________________
4) A Bb C D E F G A: _____________________
5) Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb Cb Db: _______________
YOU ARE READING
Music theory + Composition Technique (FREE!)
Ikke FiktionThis book contains information on basic music theory for those wanting to introduce themselves to music and composition. It includes exercises and practices to help you learn quickly, all for free.
